India: Maruti Suzuki likely to cut down shifts at Gurugram and Manesar plants

India’s largest automaker-Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is considering fewer shifts at its Gurugram and Manesar plants because of COVID-19 protocols, amid growing concerns that demand may fall if states persist with stringent restrictions to control the pandemic. This week, Maruti Suzuki’s Chairman, RC Bhargava stated that “Demand would fall if there is a prolonged shutdown. Factories cannot run if dealerships are shut”. Maruti’s Manesar plant manufactures models such as the Alto, Swift and Dzire, with an annual production capacity of 8,80,000 units. The Gurugram plant has a capacity of 7,00,000 units and manufactures models such as the Wagon R, Ertiga and Vitara Brezza.